The IDEAL Way to Internal Quality Assurance (IQA)

The approach to IQA can be crystallized in five phases namely: Initiation, Development, Execution, Assessment, and Leverage or in short, IDEAL. 

Initiation Phase

The first phase sets the strategic directions of the IQA initiative. Often this phase involves the setting of quality committee(s) and QA office, as well as the  appointment of key quality officers in the organisation to implement the plans and activities.

Development Phase

The development phase involves the development or search for QA model(s) that can fit into the vision, mission, culture, and varied development of the organisation. In the development of the QA model, alignment to national, regional and international quality assurance framework should be considered. The elements of the IQA include strategy, people, system and culture.

Execution Phase

This phase involves the execution of the IQA plans developed in previous phase. The execution of the plan can be implemented progressively and incrementally starting from a pilot run or in one "big bang". The approach to implement the plans depends on the readiness of the organisation and its stakeholders, resources, and risks.

Assessment Phase

This phase involves evaluating the effectiveness of the IQA implemented and identifying areas for improvement. It builds on the earlier achievements and enhances the IQA plans and activities of the organisation. 

Leverage Phase

This phase involves sustaining and extending QA activities to other parts of the organisation as well as outside the organisation. Collaboration with other organisations and QA bodies to search for best practices, cooperation and recognition.